Orioles recall Meek for bullpen, option Gausman

KANSAS CITY -- Needing a bullpen reinforcement for their series opener against the Royals, the Orioles recalled right-hander Evan Meek from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday and optioned right-hander Kevin Gausman to Norfolk.

Gausman accompanied the Orioles to Kansas City and met with manager Buck Showalter for a discussion about his start against the Tigers on Wednesday. Gausman went four innings, allowing six hits and five earned runs. He'll continue to build up innings after reporting to Norfolk.

"We needed an arm," Showalter said of the decision to bring up Meek after the bullpen had a heavy workload Wednesday. "It puts us back on our feet tonight. Evan was the best fit, all things considered. He's ready to go."

Meek returns to the Orioles after appearing in five games for Norfolk. In 6 1/3 innings, he allowed seven hits and four runs.